Systems science and complexity: some proposals for future development

In this paper some new, conceptual ideas referred to as a complexity orientation are presented on the basis of systemic planning (SP), which has been developed as a proactive, multi‐methodology approach for complex planning tasks. Specifically, the complexity orientation is compared to other systems science research orientations represented by the following labels: functionalist, interpretive, emancipatory and postmodern. After presentation and discussion of the research orientation framework, SP is compared to other current systems and management practice. Finally, the potential of a complexity orientation is treated more generally and also with a focus on its epistemological interpretation, which is carried out with a special emphasis on the work of Luhmann. General findings of the paper are that a complexity orientation ought to complement the other four research orientations to serve as a methodological platform for management practice and that Luhmann's theories ought to be addressed by the systems community as a potential for informing further development of systems science and thinking. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.